About Leadership Cary

Leadership Cary is a unique, seven month program that exposes participants to multiple facets of the community including next-level leadership skills, local non-profits, health & medical services, economic development, local government, entrepreneurship and innovation, law enforcement and many more. Through the program Leadership Cary participants develop meaningful, lasting relationships with multiple industry leaders spanning all industries both large and small.

​Participation

​In order to get the most out of the Leadership Cary program, we recommend scheduling accordingly to be able to attend all sessions. Attendance is mandatory; therefore commitment to the program is necessary for participation. Please note, you may only miss up to two sessions. Attendance for each session accounts for the session's start time until it's end time and we request you plan to be there the entire day.

Testimonials

Terry Parker 
Vice President | Commercial Banking Officer
TowneBank

“For me, I had just moved to Cary when I started Leadership Cary.  The program allowed me to understand the pride in Cary’s business community and grasp how the Chamber is the backbone to everything going on in the town.”

Curt Britt
Commercial Real Estate Advisor
Phoenix Commercial Properties

"I was very fortunate to be a part of Leadership Cary and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the Cary community while meeting a great group of people along the way! The program was very informative and I would highly recommend!    ​

Maris Ridenour
Communications Delivery Manager
Metlife

“It’s amazing how in such a short time Leadership Cary gave me the opportunities, networks, and connections to help out in my local community. I learned more about the people, how to be a leader in my town, and local business during the program than I have in my 8 years+ living here. I wish I could do it every year!”

Caleb Smith
Founder & CEO
​Triangle Esports Academy

"Leadership Cary was a great program. It provided me with meaningful connections and education that have helped further and accelerate the growth of Triangle Esports Academy."

Jim Clark
Project Manager
WithersRavenel, Inc.

Jeff Moncrief, CPA
Senior Vice President
SouthState Bank

"Leadership Cary was an incredible time to meet new people from all walks of life to learn what the Cary community has to offer.  It was a blast to be around others wanting to learn about Cary’s rich history, current growth trends, and bright future as a premier place to visit, work and live on the regional and national level.  It is well worth the time and investment and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.  Educational, professional and social growth opportunities all wrapped into one!"

"I highly recommend participating in the Leadership Cary program.  It afforded me an opportunity to learn more about needs in the community and ways to engage with other likeminded individuals interested in making a difference through volunteerism."

​Why should you or an employee participate?

While learning about the important elements of the community, you will find that participants establish a great amount of contacts – both with fellow participants and with the leaders that the group meets with throughout the program. Participation in Leadership Cary also opens the door to other, triangle wide leadership programs. 

Application Deadline - Friday, October 13, 2023

Cost: $800 (will be invoiced once accepted)

Presenting Sponsors

Supporting Partners

T-Shirt Sponsor

Application

Class of 2023 - 2024 Leadership Cary Schedule

*Please note that the dates and times are subject to change

​Leadership Skills Training
Tuesday, November 7, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Participants will build confidence in their leadership skills by taking part in team building activities. There will be multiple guest speakers throughout the day.

Nonprofit Day
Tuesday, December 12, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Nonprofit day will serve as an opportunity for the future leaders of our community to learn about local nonprofits; their mission and how the community can help. We will take tours and hear from guest speakers.  

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Day
Tuesday, January 9, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This session will inform participants about innovation and entrepreneurship in the area.

Entertainment & Recreation
Tuesday, January 30, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Entertainment, including sports and recreation are also a major part of our community. Learn the value of art and recreation facilities in our community as well as the surrounding area.

Education Session
Tuesday, February 13, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learn from the Wake County Public Schools about issues and questions pertaining to public schools and the status of our nationally recognized school system. Participants will also learn about community colleges and the NC college system.

Law Enforcement & Government Day
Tuesday, March 12, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Participants will hear from guest speakers from the Cary Police Department and other law enforcement agencies concerning crime. They will also learn about local, and state government agencies.

Health & Medical Services
Wednesday, April 10, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Participants will meet at WakeMed Cary Hospital to participate in an optional health assessment and discuss general community hospital impacts and issues. We will also visit UNC Rex Healthcare and hear from a representative from Duke Health. 

​Economic Development
Tuesday, May 7,  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Participants will learn about the state, chamber and various agencies' roles in economic development. It will also include a tours, and finish with a social at The Umstead Hotel & Spa.

Graduation
Wednesday, May 22, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
The Leadership Cary class will be recognized at the monthly Eye Opener Breakfast.


Staff Contact:
Lauren Chappell
919-319-4704
lchappell@carychamber.com